Lagos State starts collecting documents for informal public spaces

The Lagos State Government has told people using setbacks, roadsides, and other informal public spaces to provide documents proving their occupation. This is part of a state-wide documentation exercise to manage these spaces better.

The government shared this information in a public notice on its official Facebook page on Wednesday. This exercise falls under the Setbacks, Common Areas and Roadsides Administration and Monitoring Project (SCRAMP) managed by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

Wasiu Olayinka, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Physical Planning, signed the notice. The exercise is based on the amended Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019. It aims to protect land needed for current and future public infrastructure and to support proper physical development.

The government has hired Octragon Multi-Projects Limited to help with this work. They will work alongside the Lagos State Informal Management Authority (LASISMA) to find, document, and manage setbacks, common areas, roadsides, and other informal urban spaces in Lagos.

This initiative aims to stop illegal occupation, conversion, and unregulated use of public spaces. The government believes these activities have hurt approved physical development plans and the quality of the urban environment.

The state has already mapped out over 1,700 SCRAMP locations across Lagos. This mapping was completed by December 31, 2025, after a six-month campaign to engage with stakeholders and the public.

The ongoing documentation phase will create a complete list of informal public spaces. This list will help in managing these areas better and using them effectively.

This latest exercise builds on Lagos' wider plans to manage public land better. Earlier this year, officials said the SCRAMP initiative found over 3,700 hectares of underused public spaces. These include setbacks, roadsides, bridge loops, utility corridors, and similar areas across more than 1,700 locations.

The government explained that the project aims to protect land set aside for infrastructure while providing a clear process for the temporary use of eligible public spaces.

As part of this documentation process, existing occupants will have the first chance to keep their space. They must verify their claims and meet the necessary guidelines.

Individuals, groups, and businesses wanting to use these informal spaces can apply for temporary occupation or licenses. They will need to meet the conditions set by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

The notice asked all current users of setbacks, common areas, and other informal spaces to submit documents that support their occupation for verification.

Those interested in applying should send their applications through the SCRAMP portal or at designated offices of Octragon Multi-Projects Limited and LASISMA across the state.

The Lagos State Government urges all residents and stakeholders to cooperate with this exercise. The goal is to improve urban development, protect public infrastructure, support environmental sustainability, and ensure public spaces are used well.

"In Lagos, Every Square Metre of Land Matters," the statement concluded.

The government has not mentioned when this documentation exercise will end or if successful applicants will need to pay fees to occupy the affected spaces.